Opioid addiction is on the rise nationwide, and affecting thousands of Georgia residents. Every year, nearly 19,000 Americans die from prescription drug overdoses, and more than 10,000 die from heroin overdoses, according to the CDC. In an effort to drive awareness for opioid addiction, patients who received addiction treatment at Georgia rehab centers are sharing their personal addiction stories to warn local communities about the dangers of opioids.

If you are currently struggling with opioid or heroin addiction, understand that you can safely overcome your addiction with help from a drug rehab or treatment center. Call our confidential helpline at 770-676-1414 to speak with an addiction specialist who can discuss your rehab options and help you achieve lifelong sobriety.

Spreading Awareness About Opioid Addiction Treatment

Recovering opioid addicts shared their stories about the effectiveness of Georgia rehab centers.

A recovering heroin addict named Alyssa Forehand recently completed a six-month addiction treatment program at a rehab center in Columbus. Forehand says her problem with addiction began when she was prescribed opioids following knee surgery. After abusing prescription opioids for a period of time, Forehand moved on to using heroin, which eventually led to prison time for her and her husband.

Forehand says heroin addiction consumed her life, and affected her morals, values, and the ability to judge clearly. The mother of three overdosed three times, served 19 months in prison, and eventually lost custody of her children. Forehand points out that expanding access to rehab centers and driving opioid awareness can help save thousands of lives across the U.S., especially since she herself is living proof that addiction treatment can help.

Fighting Opioid Addiction at Georgia Rehab Centers

Spokespersons from rehab centers in Muscogee County say more opioid addicts are starting to seek addiction treatment due to the rise in local heroin use. Fortunately, rehab centers in Muscogee County and across the state recently received more resources to treat opioid addiction under the Comprehensive Addiction Recovery Act. These funds are being used to expand and improve access to medication-assisted treatments, as well as treatments for substance use disorders in general.

Medication-assisted treatments involve the use of synthetic opioid medications that can safely and successfully help addicts stop taking heroin and other opioids. These medications, such as methadone and buprenorphine, help reduce drug cravings and opioid withdrawal symptoms, and lower the risk for relapse following detox. Studies show that medication-assisted treatments are effective at helping opioid addicts achieve long-term sobriety.

The extra funding will also provide first responders with more access to an opioid overdose antidote drug called naloxone or Narcan, which helps prevent heroin and opioid overdose deaths. Increased access to Narcan can help Georgia lower its opioid overdose death rates, while also allowing addicts another chance at achieving sobriety with help from drug rehab.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with opioid addiction, call our confidential helpline at 770-676-1414 to learn more about your local rehab options. One of our experienced treatment specialists can help you find local Georgia rehab centers that will help you overcome opioid dependency and get back to living a healthy, happy, and drug-free life.